Origins of Lace
Some have said that it originated in Egypt, but it was never discovered in any mummy's tomb, on any wall or sculpture. Whatever the pictorial or actual remains of this poetic tissue there isn't any documented evidence.
This ethereal textile named by the Italians "punto in aria" (stitch in air) did not exist before the fifteenth century by the European woman, forming her contribution to the Renaissance.
Fanciful stories have been woven to account for the invention of the art and the honor has been claimed by both Venice and Flanders. Yet it did not at once spring into being in full perfection, but was rather an evelotion, and came out in degrees. In "punto tagllato" (cut point) we first perceive a grouping in it's direction, for with the piercings of white embroidery we have a lighter effect. In drawn work "Punto tirato" another step was gained, and in network we have a decided advantage. Upon this net the pattern was darned in, and in France it was called "lacis" the nearest word we have to lace. After these efforts came a total emancipation from all foundations, and the "punta in aria" was an assured fact. The first lace, it is thought, was made with the needle (point), the pattern being traced upon parchment or paper, and the outlines marked by a thread, caught now and then to the paper, to keep it in place. Upon this scaffolding the slight superstructure was built, and the method is still the same.
Soon afterwards the bobbins came in as a factor, and the needle and the bobbins remain to this day the only means employed to produce hand-made lace. So that all of it resolves inself into the two generic kinds -point, which is made by the needle, and pillow, by the bobbins; or there may be a composite article made by both.
From The London Wonan's Home Companion - 1898
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My love of lace started as a child as I watched my grandmother make the most beautiful crocheted lace with her nimble fingers. I was fascinated with how she could creat these delicate edgings. Iand asked her to teach me and I would sit with her for hours...and I've been crocheting ever since. My collection grew from my yearly gift of a set of beautiful pillowcases, edged hankerchiefs, and treasures from the past that my great grandmothers made, to hunting in antique shops. estate sales and yard sales. Here is a small sampling of my collection. The hunt continues....
Some of my stash. Grammie's nightgown. Great grammie's bag, edgings
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These are some that I picked up in antique shops and flea markets. Look at the second picture at the sleeves and see how intricate they are. The last collar was knitted by my great grandmother.
These last two pieces, I made.
Click on any of the photos for a closer look. Thank you for looking, I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my collection.
